Lightning quick service. Very reasonably priced. And very good authentic Mexican food. Friendly staff. And the place was kept clean and nice. Exactly what you would want out of the Mexican restaurant. My only complaint would be the layout is a little bit like a maze if you're trying to find a bathroom are the tables outside you might get a little lost. But other than that this place is perfect. You also get a lot for your money. The portions are huge. I order the nachos and could only eat less than a half. I got the rest to go and had lunch for two more days. Definite thumbs up overall. Deafly going to go back next time I'm in that area. read more

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I grew up in this neighborhood and was very excited to return to El Patio. However, it is very overpriced for what you receive. I had a two enchilada combo and they were about half the size of ones you would get in another restaurant and were ok. Beans and rice portion was also small. The guacamole was good, though. And, the service is wonderful, which is why it got three stars instead of less. read more

Lucy's El Patio Cafe is a local Doheny Village institution that has been around for many years. The servers can be a little grumpy at times but if your friendly to them as they serve you they will come around and loosen up and actually are quite interesting. We usually have lunch here but at times with a large group we have had some memorable dinner meals in the large family friendly rear patio. The chips and salsa is very good and they will continue to bring refills to the table as long as you want. I love the salsa. My favorites for lunch are the Crispy Potato and Crispy Beef Tacos. The portions of their combo meals are very large and could easily be shared or if not too hungry I would recommend ala carte. Chile Rellenos and Pork Chile Verde are two other favorites. Reminder alert; they are closed daily from 2pm to 4pm. read more

We have been coming here for over twenty years. This place feels like family. The chips and salsa are fantastic. We have had many good times here. This place is the real deal - people are down to earth. Leave your attitude at the door. read more

I grew up in Capo Beach, lived there for over 40 years, and have been a customer of El Patio since 1960. In all those years I've never been disappointed with any aspect of what they do. That's something, because I'm picky. My favorite items are the flour beef tacos, cheese enchiladas, rellenos and fish tacos. This is old Capo Beach at its best, and about the only survivor of what it used to be like. To me, it's like going home. read more

This is my favorite restaurant of all time. I grew up in San Clemente, so a little spoiled with mexican food choices. That being said, Lucy's is the BEST. I've been eating here since I can remember... Had birthday's, anniversary's, and planned my graduation party here... Highschool AND college. It's the place I always go when down south, wet burrito with the house guacamole side for the fresh chips! read more

I love El Patio! My husband and I go there weekly. We usually go on Tuesday nights because around Sunday-Monday we get cravings and they are closed on those days (sadly) , so going Tuesday night has become almost like a tradition of ours. The chips and salsa are excellent. I can't stop eating them and usually we go through a couple bowls before our food is served. I am not usually a salsa person but I love El Patios spicy salsa and their chips are always fresh and toasty. I order the taco dinner, which comes with 2 tacos and a side of beans and rice. I get the potato tacos with corn tortillas. My husband gets the beef and flour tortillas and gets a side of enchilada sauce to drench his food in. Oh yeah and when you order a dinner you get served a cup of soup too. The soup changes daily, but every kind I have tried has been wonderful. We have been going there for years and we have never been let down. The food is always great and so is the service! Once you start going a lot you start seeing the same people, so El Patio has a lot of regulars. I wonder why? Because the food is good! Sometimes it can get quite packed and you may have to wait for a table but the wait is totally worth it. They don't accept credit cards so make sure you go there with cash. They take local checks too. Great, now I can't wait for Tuesday!!! read more

i hate that our experience wasn't so great being that i have heard such great things about this place and the food was pretty yummy! so i would have to give two ratings: food 4 stars, service 2.. of the two women working, neither was very nice to us, it took about 10 minutes to be greeted and get some waters. we finally got to order but was never informed of the specials that night (which we heard being recited to another table: taquito tuesday), annnnd it took about 20 minutes (no joke!) to get our bill once we were finished and stared down both women to get their attention yet again. not to mention the EL PATIO was CERRADO! (closed!) grr. i'm a believer in second chances, so i will mostly likely return. read more

El Patio Cafe - chicken taco (fried and no lettuce) - Mexican Near Me - Capistrano Beach, California

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A word of caution... This IS your mama's mexican restaurant. Most locals know it simply as "Lucy's" and it is frequented mostly by locals. Walking in, it has always reminded me of some small back street cafes in Ensenada back in the day. And I mean "back in the day". I've lived in the area for 40 years and this place has never changed except now they have a small patio in the back. Up front, a very small dining room with an old school counter if you are dining alone. The service is always personable. Heck, the staff figures everyone who goes there is a neighbor, which isn't far from the truth. So you are treated like a neighbor, which is refreshing. I was there a few nights ago and had the two taco combination. The corn tortillas are deep fried and very yummy. I had a chicken and a beef taco finished off with the usual lettuce, tomatoes, etc. But a good portion of the main ingredient which I always appreciate. The plate included rice and beans which are "old school" also which you'll understand if you've enjoyed real mexican food for as long as I have. Chips and salsa are provided of course. The salsa may look like ketchup but it's not. It has a great kick to it, like it's supposed to. I read some reviews here regarding the pricing. The food prices are not exorbitant in my opinion. $3 for a soda? That's fair IMO. This isn't Taco Bell and you don't have an option to "super size" it. If you are new to south coast OC, you should definitely check Lucy's out. It's been here long before you arrived and will probably be here long after you leave. But once you've been here you can say, "Yeah, I'm a local". Well, not yet but you're on your way. read more

My wife and I have been looking for my favorite restaurant--a Mexican place that has good food and outdoor seating. We haven't found it yet. El Patio looked promising, so we gave it a go. We are rather disappointed in this restaurant, given its reviews. It's a joint down in Capo Beach, but we generally like joints. Down-home, funky joints sometimes have the best food. Unfortunately, that's not the case here. We knew what we were in for when we got the chips and salsa. The chips were heavy, and not particularly crisp, but the salsa was the real offender. I think was was, quite literally, tomato paste with a bit of Tapatio for flavor. There is no excuse for that in Southern California. The chicken tortilla soup was okay, but nothing special, as was the chile relleno that I had. The chicken enchilada I got with it was about the same. But unfortunately, the enchilada sauce that came on the dinner was the same tomato paste as the salsa. My wife played it safe and ordered a quesadilla. On the plus side, service was friendly and prompt. However, the restaurant does not take credit cards, which seems rather unprofessional. Instead, they have an ATM on premises--I suspect it is one of those with a high transaction fee. In summary, we won't be going back. We will continue our search for a mexican restaurant that has good food and outdoor seating. read more

My family started coming to eat Lucy's wonderful food in 1961. It is still the best. Check out this local hangout.

Been wanting to go here for years and finally did last night with my lady. In the land of great mexican food we have many options. At this point this place is no longer a option on my list. Best way to describe the food is BLAND. Tacos bland, Enchiladas bland, Salsa bland. Beer... Well you can't mess up beer but the waitress did mess up bringing the beer I ordered. Overall the vibe was fun and has a local crowd feel. But I came to eat and I was disappointed. Did I mention that my lady puked it all up that night as well as my stomach was not so stoked on the food a few hours later. Sorry El Patio. We won't be hanging out anytime in the future. read more

El Patio has the charm of a small eatery in a small Mexican village. Although the food isn't as good as it could be, the place has a lot of history and friendly people who make your visit fun and relaxing. It's been around for decades and is always full of locals. It seems that the tourists pass it up because of the funky colors of the building. Don't judge a book by its cover. The patio is a lot of fun. They have a small selection of beer and wine margaritas. But that's ok. You don't need a huge selection to enjoy the place. Don't worry if people sit next to you at a big table. People aren't shy at this place. They just want to be served. Be sure to get there by 8pm. They close at 8:45 every night. Closed on Sundays and Mondays. read more

I have to agree with the previous review that called this place BLAND. It is incredibly bland, with almost everything being totally tasteless. I had the Carnitas, which were soggy and oily, and the rice and beans that accompanied it had zero flavor. The green chile sauce salsa tasted like it had been watered down, and the Red salsa also had no flavor. I requested limes with my Carnitas, and got 4 thinly sliced limes that were so dry that squeezing them didn't yield a single drop of juice. The lemons they replace them with were only slightly more juicy, but I don't normally put lemon juice on my Carnitas (I like fresh lime juice). My 7-year old daughter got the Taquitos Special, and she asked me what they put in it, because it didn't taste like meat. I could only agree with her - equally bland. So this place was at least consistent. All of the food was flavorless. Sorry. I can't recommend it. read more

Great customer service and good food to be my fist time here. They made us feel welcome. Thank you

Great little hole in the wall that serves up Mexican old style. Don't let the Pepto Bismal pink building fool you, this is a very cool place to eat. Going today and don't forget the cash, no credit. read more

I love this little hole in the wall! There is nothing better then a little hole in the wall, where every third customer is greeted by name! DO NOT expect anything fancy! I have eaten at the center table (3 big Costco foldup style tables put end to end) with a bunch of people I do not know- no table cloth, paper- throwaway style place mats and oldschool amber colored plastic drinking glasses! But it makes you feel like family!! The food is yummy! I LOVE their chicken tacos! Fried FLOUR tortillas! They are sweet and yummy and melt in your mouth! I must admit, I have not ventured much from here (OK, sometimes I will do a one fried chicken and one fried beef taco combo! Wooo Whooo!), so I may not be the best source of info! The beans and rice are good- nothing to write home about. And I like the salsa (not pico de gallo, it's the more authentic, blended type... and spicy! Hubbie has tried the carnitas (yum) and some of the specials- the best was street style beef tacos with corn tortillas- just like you get in Mexico. Again, NOTHING FANCY!! Just a fun little hole in the wall with a great vibe and good food! read more

Came here with my daughter. Promised I'd take her here when she turned 21 some months ago. Sure.. the place is old... worn.. in a good way. Walk in and they say to sit anywhere... so we made our way to the back along the side to a little patio covered and with heaters because it was around 60 degrees at 6:30 on a late March evening. Daughter and I each had a beer at the recommendation of the owners sister Norma. A sweet and kind lady that seems happy to accommodate two people who sauntered in and treated her restaurant like Grandma's Kitchen, which is I think is what they want you to do. I read the few negative reviews by the spoiled, entitlement, elitist attitude, self-appointed connoisseur whiney little bitches...and those reviewers frankly pissed me off because missed the entire point of this place. Good Mexican food. Good people... be nice.. get comfortable, have a beer with your food, and enjoy. It's not Las Brisas.. and you don't want it to be. I'll be back. read more

I grew up on Mexican food, so I am a bit of a Mexican food snob. I found this place to be a disappointment. First, they don't take cards, so bring cash unless you want to pay $3 for their atm. The nachos were a hit, but nothing else was. We called ahead for a party of 10 and we were told there was a table outside and inside, so head on over. When we arrived, we stood for 5 minutes and no one greeted us. We finally went to the counter to ask and there were no open tables that were big enough. We ended up squishing in on a 6 top. When setting our table, the lady handed my nephew a fork with lettuce on both sides. She quickly found a clean one when I pointed this out though. When my sister ordered a margarita off the menu, the waitress said they didn't actually have margaritas because they only have a liquor license for beer and wine. Their "margaritas" are made with wine. They taste Ok, but nothing like a real one. I had a chicken and bean tostada and it was OK. My husband had a bean and chicken burrito, enchilada style. They brought him a shredded beef one on accident, but corrected it. He didn't really like it though and it was swimming in watery liquid. My niece had the nachos and she, as well as anyone who tried them, loved them. My nephew ordered a hot dog in a tortilla and got a puny dog in a smashed bun. Again, they graciously corrected it and he liked it. Service was just "Okay". read more

The flour taco is to die for. Teresa has been working here since I been coming here 27 years ago . The classic pink counter is el mexi and the 5 tacos for 5 is tasty read more

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Average little Mexican restaurant. Cafeteria style seating. Great portions for the price, but service was a bit slow. I've never had beef chili verde. Odd, but not awful. Tacos are good. read more

Pretty decent food. I had the calamari taco meal. The soup that came with was a tasty vegetable soup. The beans and rice with the meal were pretty good. The calamari was fried a bit too much, which made the calamari a bit too chewy. The flavor was good, but took a bit from the thick filets they gave you. Salsa that came before the meal was more like a spicy sauce, but had good flavor. Quaint little spot with friendly service - probably hasn't changed in the last few decades. read more

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Good food but they do have an attitude at times. Maybe just too busy and overworked staff. Regulars are treated well. Maybe I need to visit more often. Best salsa ever! Spicy but not too hot. It tastes so good I could eat two bowls of chips and salsa all by myself. read more

This is my first Yelp for them and I have been a long time customer. These people have their act together. Everyone I spoke to was friendly and helpful. This is a local spot with good food and great people working there. Just walk in a pick a spot. Sit down with stranger at the big table. They will be friends in no time. read more

Halibut tacos on Friday's, bet you can't eat just one! Five bucks each but worth it. Their tostada is always awesome too read more

Okay......... the food is AMAZING! The staff is friendly, however, that kindness stops with their regulars. Since we aren't regulars we weren't greeted warmly, served in a timely fashion, or checked out without having to ask. Speaking of asking, I had to ask for water, water refills, a to go box, and the bill all while the friendly staff literally danced and sung with another group of regulars. My takeaway: I would come again for the food but I would not plan on timely service. p.s. The (large) food order came out super fast and 100% accurate. read more

OMG！！Accidently walk into this tiny restaurant at the corner after two-day trip in San Deiago. The food was awesome. Wairtress was so nice and she told me the restaurant was there since 1952！！！ How lucky we were! Try the cheese enchilada! read more

My husband and I wanted to try this place and get out a few days before he deploys. The waitress was very rude and didn't want to help us. My husband tried asking how many tacos come in one order and she said "is right there in the menu, I guess I'll just come back when you're actually ready" too bad we had already taken sips out of our drinks and had to pay for them. Really ruined one of the last night's well have together before he leaves read more

Well just tried to go here at 4:15pm on a Wednesday. Closed. Saw workers (I assume) inside watching TV. Bye.

This is my favorite Mexican restaurant in South Orange County by far. Being vegan the options are limited, especially when it comes to Mexican Food. However at El Patio both the beans and rice are vegan friendly and the guacamole is dairy free. Joyce and Theresa are the best and always cheerful and friendly. And I can't forget spunky Norma. This a great local spot that never gets too crowded and the service is always impeccable. Thank you to Joyce, Theresa, Norma and the rest of the staff, see you soon ! read more

Overly priced! $75 for two kids meals and two entrées. They forgot to ring up our flan so we got charged again.

A little expensive and the food was just meh. The beers were great on tap. Super cold which was a plus and the only good thing about the place read more

Based on mucho visits. As a gringette, to me, this is well-rounded Mexican soul food. Enchiladas usually my choice here but have had pretty much everything on the menu (not at one sitting ha, comma, ha). What I like best on the enchiladas is their red chile enchilada sauce, good smokiness. Strong chips & salsa. Comfortable atmosphere. Very comfortable. Be aware though, they close at 8:45. read more

Authentic Mexican food for the whole family with home made soups and tacos, tamales with some great images of old Dana point the duke and much more. Check out the taco Tuesday special 5 for 5. read more

El Patio Cafe - Custom hand shaped surfboard out of a Clark foam blank with abstract art and a El Patio Cafe logo. - Mexican Near Me - Capistrano Beach, California

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Overrated and overpriced ! If this cafe was in East Los Angeles they would be out of business!

SO sad that el patio is closed forever!!! Can anyone help me find someone who can share the salsa recipe?

This place is cute, and the food and service great! We had fish tacos and they tasted great!!Our waitress was very nice, quick and will definitely come back!! No, it's not a super spicy, burn your mouth off food. It is flavorful and I recommend you sit outside!! Nice place!! read more

While the people there are nice enough, as far as the "Mexican" food goes, it's pretty gross. Definitely for people who aren't Mexican or don't go to Mexico south of Baja California. Try Lupe's on Del Obispo for much better plates. read more

Not sure why this place has such good reviews. My boyfriend and I stopped by for taco Tuesday since we live right around the corner and had never been here. The place is a complete dump, both on the outside and inside, which is why we had never been here before. The inside was dirty - trash on the floor and cleaning supplies right near where the food is served. As for the food...to start, the chips were stale and the salsa was had a ketchup consistency. They also don't have real margaritas which was disappointing, so I had to get a wine margarita, which was $6.95 (ridiculous because it's a WINE margarita, and it was served in a tiny glass). I ordered the chicken street tacos (5 for $5) and my boyfriend ordered carne asada street tacos (also 5 for $5). For some reason, they don't allow you to mix chicken and carne asada tacos...you get 5 of one and 5 of the other which is annoying. My tacos were ok, but my boyfriend's were so salty he could only eat 3 of the 5 tacos before he felt sick. The waitress was really nice until she came to clean up our table and asked if we wanted a to-go box for the tacos that my boyfriend didn't eat. He politely said no, they were a little too salty for him. Instead of apologizing, the waitress made a "hmph" noise and said "Well, now you know." Ya, thanks! Now we know to never come back. We didn't appreciate that snotty remark. Oh, and for the kicker, after we had sat down and ordered drinks, the waitress informed us that their credit card machine didn't work, so we'd have to pay cash or check. Of course neither of us had any cash on us, so my boyfriend had to run to the ATM next door at the liquor store and pull cash out. Suffice it to say we will never be back! read more

Worst supposedly Mexican food I have ever had! Ordered chilie Verde which is a world renowned pork dish and in and of its name "verde" should be green... mine came and was a pile of brown stuff...their recipe is for some reason beef, and no green whatsoever. ..sent it back , ordered a cheese enchilada instead which was just horrible!! So,this restaurant has been an icon in my area forever, but need new recipes and cooks!!! read more